We walked for babies!

Yesterday was a perfect day!  It was sunny and warm, the girls got dressed without much arguments about what to wear, which is a rare occasion in our household, and we were on our way to our first family walk for charity.  As we drove  into the parking lot and I saw families getting out of their cars, assembling strollers and wagons for the kids, getting babies in baby carriers, my eyes started to well up with tears – I knew that all of them were affected by prematurity in some way, that they went through a similar journey that we did and that for this one morning all of us were united in our efforts to give all premature babies a better chance at survival.  Then I saw a family pushing a stroller with one child and carrying a framed portrait of another baby – who did not survive – i just could not stop crying…

It was a very emotional morning – I was heartbroken for families whose little ones were born too early and did not survive, thankful for Mia and Alexa and rejoiceful for all kids who overcame many obstacles of prematurity and were doing great – like a happy and healthy 4 year old boy we met that morning, who was born at 1 lb 15 oz 14 weeks too early…

When we got to the finish line (2.5 hours after we started this 5 mile walk!) I overheard a little girl who proudly  showing her “Yes, I’ve made it” sticker that was given to everyone who completed the walk, to her Mom.  “Yes you did, and in more ways than one!” – her Mom replied and it really hit home for me.    This walk was not only about raising funds for life-saving research but also about hope and about celebrating Mia and Alexa and thousands of kids like them, who made it against all odds and are now the pride and joy of their families.

And here are a few snapshots from the walk – they are by no means great portraits but I do love them because they capture our first family walk for charity, which we plan to make an annual tradition!

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all of you for your generous donations – we raised $1180 dollars exceeding my fundraising goal by 18%!!!    25 people made donations so I used random.org to select a number which corresponds to the winner:

And the winner is….. <DRUM ROLL> Rachimi Marni!  Marni – please contact me at Lena@livelovelaughphotos.com by May 5 to claim your prize!  I am excited to meet and photograph you and your family!